Jeff B.
Yelp
(Drank 07/09/19 TU @ 7:00pm): Leave the bottle... I'll take my craft beer from the tap!
In the area with a friend for "Yelp's Passport Party Taste Of LBX" event that promoted the relatively new Long Beach Exchange shopping complex with an emphasis on its food hall, The Hangar, we happily came across Bottlecraft and its myriad selection of local craft beers in the hopes that we found something we each liked to help wash down all the complimentary sampling we were doing. I loved beer and couldn't pass up the opportunity; granted, they were self-proclaimed a "beer shop and tasting room" and definitely not a brewery. However, they had several beers I'd never heard/tried before, and they also sold cider, kombucha, and wine by the glass. Was there enough in the area for a return visit!?
PURCHASE
Green Cheek Beer Co. The Fruit Not The City Belgian Style Witbier w/Orange Zest 4.5% ABV 16 fl. oz. ($6.50): Cloudy yellow color, citrus orange slight barley aroma, low body, citrus orange taste, easy finish, and slight orange aftertaste - not a bad way to get your Vitamin-C!
Ten Mile Brewing Co. Maggie Mae Blonde Ale 4.8% ABV 16 fl. oz. (COMPED but normally $7.00): They tapped out of this so what came out was FREE! Bright honey color, light hoppy malt aroma, low body, malt taste, clean refreshing finish, and minimal malt aftertaste - Maggie was one tasty mama!
Chapman Crafted Beer Slow Riser w/Coffee Nitro Irish Red Ale 5.75 ABV 16 fl. oz. ($7.00): Dark caramel red color, chocolate coffee aroma, medium body, caramel coffee toffee taste, lingering coffee finish, and sweet syrupy aftertaste - more of a stout which I loved but wouldn't drink it every day!
https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=HSut_PRLcznRwXS5yflBJg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
SERVICE
Armed with two friendly young men behind the bar, they graciously greeted and masterfully served the throngs of thirsty patrons and kept the lines moving. Heck... we got a free beer from them because they tapped out! These gents had it going on - phenomenal job!
PARKING (FREE)
Located in a relatively new outdoor shopping center, there was ample free parking everywhere - 'nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
Located inside The Hangar within the Long Beach Exchange Shopping Center, they occupied one end of the food hall simply with a long C-shaped bar that fit between 20-25 standing patrons as they faced a chrome-plated metallic industrial wall that housed nearly 30 taps with an easily-legible beer menu https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Hgd5q1yQQGCHi05k-ohMqA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. There were numerous tables and chairs throughout the food hall if you wanted to sit and enjoy your beverage. A ton of natural lighting came in through the surrounding glass windows and doors at both ends while several industrial electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. There were a couple muted TVs while music played throughout the entire Hangar in the background.
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
I was impressed by the range of craft beers - local and domestic - on tap at Bottlecraft of which many I've never tried before which would bring me back for more if I was in the area. I liked that they served by the taster, glass, and pint (no growlers) and also had a decent selection of bottled libations outside of beers. They hit the mark on their service. However, I wasn't sure if they had a Happy Hour (but should if they didn't). I found exceptionally good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $14.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice...AMEX! 4.5 STARS